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Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has praised head coach Eric Chelle for fostering a strong sense of unity that has propelled the Super Eagles into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, just two months after their painful exit from World Cup qualification.
Nigeria face tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday, aiming to extend the fine form that has carried them into the last four. The Super Eagles were runners-up at the previous AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, while Iwobi also featured in the side that reached the semi-finals in 2019.
Speaking at a press conference in Rabat, the 29-year-old Fulham star said a more positive atmosphere off the pitch has helped bring out the best in both himself and a squad now reaching its peak.
“The difference is the sense of brotherhood and family we have created,” Iwobi said. “We have done well at previous AFCONs, but we were younger then and still learning about one another.
“Now, many of us are in our prime and performing well for our clubs. You can see the joy and chemistry when we play for Nigeria. That unity exists on and off the pitch, and it starts with the coach.”
Nigeria endured a difficult World Cup qualifying campaign and saw their hopes end with a penalty shoot-out defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat last November, despite an improvement in form since Chelle’s appointment a year ago.
Iwobi said the disappointment had become a source of motivation. “We always give everything. The World Cup qualifiers were tough, but we have used that setback to push ourselves to achieve something for our country and our families,” he said.
Chelle admitted that having African Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in attack has eased his task. Nigeria are the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals, with Osimhen netting four and Lookman three.
However, Nigeria will be without suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi for the semi-final, with Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expected to step in.
“We are a strong group with quality players ready to take their chance,” Chelle said.
Morocco, Africa’s highest-ranked side, will look to capitalise on home support at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where nearly 70,000 fans are expected. Their coach, Walid Regragui, warned his players of Nigeria’s threat.
“At this stage, you must be mentally strong, run more and maintain full concentration,” he said. “Nigeria will punish you if you relax.”
Regragui, who guided Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, acknowledged the pressure of hosting the tournament. “As Morocco coach, criticism comes with the job,” he said. “I stay focused on my team. What matters is what we do on the pitch.”
